Black belt test

Okinawa

An island located 300 miles south of Japan that was divided into three kingdoms: Hokusai, Chuzan, and Nanzan.

Karate

A martial art developed in Okinawa, meaning 'empty hand'.

Te

The original name for the Okinawan self-defense art meaning 'hand'.

Kakidameshi

Death matches held among martial artists to test lethal techniques.

Shorin Ryu

A style of karate developed from Shuri-Te, known for its graceful movements.

Goju Ryu

A style of karate characterized by a combination of hard and soft techniques.

Sanchin

A kata in Goju Ryu known for its hourglass stance and breathing techniques.

Kobudo

The study of weapons in martial arts.

Master Shimabuku

The founder of the Isshin Ryu Karate system, who introduced many innovations in karate.

Isshin Ryu

A style of karate founded by Master Shimabuku, meaning 'one heart system'.

Vertical Punch

An innovative punch developed by Master Shimabuku for greater speed and power.

Sunsu

The last empty-hand kata learned before testing for black belt in Isshin Ryu.

Makiwara

A training aid used in karate for striking practice.

Taira Shinken

A weapons master who taught Master Shimabuku about bo and sai weapons.

Kata

Prescribed patterns of movements in martial arts training.

Eki

A title meaning a student’s rank in martial arts, often referred to as number one or number two student.

Hokusai

One of the three kingdoms of Okinawa before its unification under Chuzan.

Motobu Choki

Master Shimabuku's first known instructor from whom he learned karate.

Ryu

A term meaning 'style' or 'school' in martial arts.

Chojun Miyagi

The founder of Goju Ryu, who was Master Shimabuku's instructor.

Kobayashi-Ryu

One of the branches of Shorin Ryu developed by Master Shimabuku.